• Start Here
  • About
    • Companies I Work With
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Let’s Get Social!

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • StumbleUpon
    • Twitter

Juggling Real Food and Real Life

Real Food. Real Life. Real Fun.

  • Home
  • Real Food Recipes and More!
    • Easy Real Food Recipes Index
    • Plan Your Meals
    • Real Food Tips and Tricks
    • Kids In The Kitchen
    • Pantry Essentials
  • The Real Food Experience Challenge
  • Shop
    • Coupons and Special Deals
    • Retail Deals
    • Flirty Aprons
  • Real Life
    • Freedom From Clutter in 40 Days
  • School Lunches
    • Lunch Box Resources
    • Favorite School Lunch Supplies
  • Positive Sports Parenting

Christmas Real Food

Easy Last Minute Appetizers for Christmas Eve

Tis the season to be Jolly!  It’s also the season to eat drink and be merry!  I walk a fine line between loving to party with friends and family and not having any time to do anything since I work all day outside of the home.  It’s no fun when hosting a party becomes a burden.  Over the years, I have discovered some strategies to help keep the fun in the party and leave the stress far behind.  My biggest piece of advice is don’t stress over the food.  Keep it simple.  Appetizers or finger foods allow people to eat a bit here and there and have plenty of time for conversation and gift-exchanging.  There are plenty of swoon-worthy recipes on Pinterest that we all wall want to try, but keep it to one or two new recipes at the most.  New recipes with unfamiliar ingredients and techniques can really ramp up the stress level in the house.  Keep your focus on your guests with these simple appetizers.

 

    

 

When you choose good, quality ingredients everything tastes delicious.  Real cheeses, quality seafood, fresh fruit, and brightly colored vegetables turn simple recipes into party-pleasing dishes.  Stocking up on real food makes parties so much easier.  My parties always include children so you will see a mix of food in my suggestions that will be pleasing for both adults and children.  Everyone should have something they like to eat when they come to my party!

 

Simple Real Food Appetizers for Christmas Eve

Hummus – I love hummus served with pita chips or cut up pita bread and veggies.  My two favorite hummus recipes are the garlic lemon (traditional hummus) and horseradish hummus.  The horseradish hummus has a bit of spice to it, but is not overpowering.  So good!

 

Horseradish hummus 

Shrimp Cocktail – Although I don’t have these in the house all of the time, I like to try to have some in the house over the holidays.  Simply thaw slightly and serve with your favorite cocktail sauce.

 

 

Popcorn– Yes, popcorn is a favorite with kids and adults alike.  Pop some using my DIY microwave popcorn method and top with butter and salt. Delicious!  You can also jazz it up with parmesan cheese or cajun seasoning for an added element of flavor.

 

 

Simple Cheese Quesadillas– These are so easy to make and are a popular “bar food”.  Simple cheese quesadillas are really budget friendly and a favorite of kids and picky eaters.  I think of them like “fancy” grilled cheese sandwiches.  You can cut them up bite-sized or wedge them. Either size is really great finger food.  For a more “grown up” quesadilla, simply mix in some corn and veggies.  Put out fresh salsa and sour cream and watch your guests happily gobble up these party favorite.

 

 

Cheese and fruit platter – Choose a variety of cheeses, nuts, sliced apples, and grapes for a truly professional platter or try this easy cheese wreath. 

 

 

Fruit smoothies -make for a really fun drink for kids.  Use fun straws and beautiful glasses and the kiddos will feel very fancy.  Fruit smoothies are also delicious for the adults at your party.  I personally think that vodka tastes great with everything.  My husband says that rum tastes great with fruit smoothies too.  My mother-in-law claims she does not like the taste of champagne, but finds champagne mixed with orange or other fruit smoothies to be quite delicious.  Here are some of my favorite smoothie recipes for you to try.  If that’s not enough recipes for you, check out my Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie recipe or my Super Sweet Fresh Vanilla Cherry Smoothie Recipe.

 

 

There you go.  Some simple real food appetizers to make your Christmas Eve extra special this year.   What are your favorite appetizers for Christmas Eve? Do you like to entertain on a regular basis?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


Leave a Comment

« 10 Tips For Getting Christmas Shopping Done Now
10 Tips For Eating Healthier in 2019 »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Too much to do and too little time? I'm here to help you get real food to the table and keep your sanity.

Let me help you find what you are looking for.

Make a positive change in your life!

 

Change The World!

Kids In The Kitchen

Love With Food

40% off Deluxe - 300x250

SPONSORS

logo
Food Advertising by

Get Your Mighty Fix!

Learn More About the MightyFix One Simple Change Each Month

Get Flirty in the Kitchen

Latest from our Instagram

Dinner in the crockpot and we’re ready for our b Dinner in the crockpot and we’re ready for our busy day. These kids are going to be hungry at the end of the day and I’m going to be ready! #crockpotmeals #crockpot #crockpotchicken #busymomlife #workingmom #jugglingrealfoodandreallife #realfood #eatrealfood
It’s always a fun day when my order from @grovec It’s always a fun day when my order from @grovecollaborative arrives. I don’t usually buy a ton of items all at once but I do purchase my favorites every month. I’m a big fan of the Grove products. This month I’m trying the organic peppermint blend tea. The mint and argan lip balm is my favorite. I also needed some more flour sack towels for my kitchen. My family loves all of the scents from @mrsmeyerscleanday and my daughter and I love the charcoal wipes from @yesto . Now to get this stuff put away and enjoy my cleaning. (Well as much as you can enjoy cleaning.) 😀 #cleaningmotivation #cleaningtips #beauty #jugglingrealfoodandreallife #saturday #saturdayvibes
Took a trip around our little community looking at Took a trip around our little community looking at Christmas lights with my daughter and husband last night. We think it would be fun to award a blue ribbon prize to our favorite house. The ribbon would say, “You won Christmas!” We are Christian and understand the true meaning of Christmas and want to spread joy to those that work hard to spread joy to others as well. Loving the Christmas season! 🎄♥️ #christmas2018 #merrychristmas #christmaslights #jesusisthereasonfortheseason
What do we think of this new water bottle I got in What do we think of this new water bottle I got in my Mighty Fix monthly subscription? And why does my hand look so wrinkled in this pic?? 💦😀🌎 #waterbottle #savetheplanet #drinkmorewater #healthy #cleaneating #jugglingrealfoodandreallife
This burger patty press from @cavetools is one of This burger patty press from @cavetools is one of my favorite new tools this summer. I can make perfect burger patties ready to grill using the grass fed organic beef that I like.  Happy grilling! 🍔#realfood #cleaneating #jugglingrealfoodandreallife #grilling #grillingseason #summergrilling #summer2018 #yum #cookityourself #realfoodrealpeople #realfoodforkids #organic #grassfedbeef #grillingtools
Happy 1st day of Summer! This gorgeous salad made Happy 1st day of Summer! This gorgeous salad made with @stemiltfruit Skylar Rae cherries is a perfect way to celebrate this day. Enjoy all of the fresh foods that Summer has to offer!  #salad #fruit #cherryseason #realfood #cleaneating #summer2018 #instayum #instagood
Now that we have survived another dance recital we Now that we have survived another dance recital weekend, I am in a little bit of mourning. No ballet class tonight. Free time. What do people do with free time?  I need help!  What should I be doing tonight?  Please don’t tell me cleaning or laundry. 😀There must be something wonderful to do with free time. #dancemoms #dancersofinstagram #dancer #dancerecital #freetime #momlife #mommy #teenlife
Summer means grilling season! I love how easy it Summer means grilling season!  I love how easy it is to cook healthy foods in a hurry. #chicken #peppers #grillingseason #grilling #pineapple #summer2018
These kids had a blast playing at Great Wolf Lodge These kids had a blast playing at Great Wolf Lodge this weekend. The staff really took care of us and made sure my kids were happy. Happy kids. Happy Mom. My daughter said, “This is the longest I’ve been without my phone and I don’t miss it because I’m having so much fun.” Let me tell you....That was music to my ears. #hosted #greatwolflodge #indoorwaterpark #familyfun #blessed #familyadventures #momlife #girlmom #boymom #family #fun #waterfun #pool #swimming
Follow on Instagram

Don't miss out! Sign up to receive the latest Juggling tips straight into your inbox.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthier This Year

Easy Last Minute Appetizers for Christmas Eve

3 Favorite Burger Recipes

Cave Tools Inside Out Cheeseburgers

Skylar Rae Cherries Super Summer Salad

Want more? Check out the archives.

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in